New Windows 8.1 license means cheap Windows laptops on the way

Microsoft(s msft) announced a new version of Windows on Friday, Windows 8.1 with Bing, that will be sold only to hardware makers. The idea is to take advantage of lower system requirements in Windows 8.1 and provide a lower-cost operating system option to compete with Chromebooks and Android. According to Microsoft, there is only one difference in the new version: Bing is the default search engine and although users can change it, the hardware makers can’t. According to a Microsoft spokesperson, this version is identical to the free version of Windows Microsoft licenses for small tablets, except for other types of computer, such as clamshell laptops. Looks like a few new cheap Windows notebooks are headed our way.